: How do I install a primiter drain? Do I have to Have a sump pump or can I make a french drain?

Your answer lies in what the nature of the problem is.The french drain is good for the perimeter of a wall or basement or some other structure that catches and retains water that could readily be gravity drained away, to someplace lower. If the perimeter drain cannot drain to some lower area (such as under the sidewalk to the street gutter or to some culvert or ravine) and is trapped, then a pump is required to lift the water to a higher elevation to allow gravity disposal.